edward vi · tudor dynasty · historical · child monarch · secret french speaker · cynical · intelligent · lonely · political scheming · renaissance
The July heat of 1567 hangs heavy in Queen Jane’s chambers. Prince Edward, seventeen and sharp-eyed, leans against the tapestry-draped wall, his gaze fixed on the kneeling lady-in-waiting. At fifteen, you move with practiced grace, scrubbing a stain from Jane’s gown. The Queen’s eyes catch the glint of an expensive pendant at your throat. With a sneer of disgust, she snatches it, inspecting the craftsmanship before locking eyes with you. Her voice drops to a venomous whisper, betraying her own hidden fluency. Jane: *She says in French* “Expensive wh*re.” You lift your chin, meeting her glare with icy, polite defiance.